From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

On the occasion of World Obesity Day (WOD) 2026 yesterday, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called for stricter policies to curb the aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages linked to obesity and other no communicable diseases (NCDs), warning that decisive regulation is critical to protect public health.

In a statement marking this year’s theme, “8 billion reasons to act on obesity,” CAPPA noted that the disease has become one of the world’s most urgent health challenges, with projections indicating that nearly half of the world’s population – about 4 billion people – could be living with overweight and obesity by 2035.

The organisation stressed that Nigeria is not insulated from this trend, saying shifting dietary patterns, rapid urbanisation, and the growing normalisation of ultra-processed foods in the national diet are negatively reshaping the country’s food environment.

CAPPA warned that the unregulated marketing, and proliferation of local market shelves with foods high in sugar, salt and trans fats, are contributing significantly to rising cases of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other diet-related conditions across the country.

According to data published by the National Library of Medicine, as of 2020, over 21 million Nigerians aged 15 years and above were overweight, while more than 12 million were classified as obese.

Particularly troubling, the group said, is the targeted advertising of such products to children and young people through television, digital platforms, in-school promotions, and outdoor advertisements, especially at festive periods.

“The aggressive promotion of ultra-processed foods to children is deliberate,” CAPPA argued, citing its latest report, titled ‘Unhealthy Food Hijack of Festive Periods in Nigeria. “Food and beverage corporations are shaping taste preferences early to secure lifelong consumers, while the public bears the long-term health and economic consequences.”

To address this growing crisis, CAPPA urged governments at all levels to enact policies and enforce regulations restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children across all platforms.

The organisation also renewed its call for the National Assembly to substantially review the country’s Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) tax upward. CAPPA maintained that the current rate remains too low to significantly reduce consumption. Hence it called for an increase to 50 per cent of the retail price, in line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, noting that stronger fiscal measures would both discourage excessive intake and generate revenue for health financing.

Beyond taxation, CAPPA emphasised the urgency of adopting mandatory Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) that clearly warns consumers when products are high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats. The organisation said simple, visible warning labels would empower Nigerians to make informed choices at a glance, counter deceptive marketing tactics, and encourage manufacturers to reformulate products to meet healthier standards.

In addition, CAPPA called for the development and enforcement of a robust national salt reduction regulation, noting the link between excessive sodium intake and obesity, hypertension, which affects millions of Nigerians and is a leading risk factor for stroke and heart disease. Setting mandatory salt targets for processed and pre-packaged foods, the group argued, is a practical and evidence-based intervention to protect public health.

As the world reflects on the “8 billion reasons” to act, CAPPA stressed that Nigeria has millions of reasons of its own to confront obesity.

“Protecting present and future generations from diet-related diseases requires effective policies, firm regulation and political will that puts people before profit,” the organisation concluded.

The Plateau Government has procured 70 new transformers to boost power supply in rural communities in the state.

Gov Caleb Mutfwang, who inaugurated the transformers on Wednesday in Jos, described the move as a giant stride towards the growth and development of the state.

Mutfwang, who reiterated his administration’s commitment towards making Plateau better, promised to make the state the envy of all.

He explained that though 55 transformers were initially approved, the government subsequently granted approval for an additional 15 units, bringing the number to 70.

The governor emphasised that improved power supply remains central to economic growth, small business development, job creation and overall quality of life.

“This is still a drop in the ocean, because the communities that have come forward to demand for transformers are now three times more than what we have procured.

 “Though the journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step, today we are taking a step in the right direction and we believe that access to electricity is not a privilege, but a right.

“This is why we have decided to democratise access to electricity by coming to the aid of disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.”he said

Mutwang disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for the installation of a 132KVA transmission line to serve the Southern and Central parts of the state.

He also assured communities in Bassa and environs, that discussions with the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) had been concluded towards restoring electricity to areas that have suffered prolonged power outage.

 “Our ambition is that in the next two years, Plateau will become a net seller of energy.

 “Government is supporting the Nigerian Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) and also expanding investments in solar and other renewable energy sources to diversify the state’s energy mix,” Mutfwang said.

The Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Lawandi, described the initiative as part of the government’s comprehensive rural electrification drive.

He urged benefiting communities to take ownership of the facilities and safeguard them against vandals.

“These transformers will improve voltage stability, reduce power disruptions and support residential, commercial and industrial activities.

“The initiative will also complement our broader efforts to ensure that energy infrastructure adequately supports water supply schemes and other critical public services,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, Gufwar Audu, commended the governor for the intervention.

He noted that stable electricity would significantly enhance livelihoods and stimulate economic activities at the grassroots.

The Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex has come alive with intense action as no fewer than 128 boxers battle for places at the National Trials.

The athletes comprise 101 men and 27 women, including four diaspora boxers, all competing for 10 coveted spots on Team Nigeria’s boxing squad to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Vivian Azimene, said the trials initially had provision for three male and three female boxers.

She, however, said the number was increased to five male and five female boxers following a visit by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukonla Olopade.

“We were initially going with three women and three men, but after the visit of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, we were assured of five female and five male slots.

“In total, 10 athletes will represent Nigeria in boxing across six weight categories,” she said.

Azimene commended the boxers for their determination and noted that the inclusion of diaspora athletes had further strengthened competition.

“That is why we are conducting the trials; to give every boxer an equal opportunity to be part of the team. We will ensure that those selected will make the country proud,” she said.

The trials commenced on Tuesday with preliminary bouts that extended late into the night.

Quarter-final contests were held on Wednesday, while semi-final bouts are scheduled for Thursday.

The trials will climax on Friday with final bouts and other activities expected to hold between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.

The competition is being held in 10 weight categories — five for men (55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg and 90kg) and five for women (51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg and +70kg).

Nigeria has a rich pedigree in boxing at the Commonwealth Games.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Team Nigeria fielded nine boxers led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba and won four medals which comprised one silver and three bronze.

Boxing will also feature at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to hold from July 24 to Aug. 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow.

Fourteen boxing events — seven for men and seven for women, will be contested as part of the Games programme including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball and basketball.